Controversial plans to move a much-loved and respected 100-year-old war memorial to a new location are back on the table.

The fresh bid marks the second time the Faversham War Memorial Group has proposed the re-siting of the historic cross from its current spot beside Stone Street to inside the neighbouring memorial garden.

There was uproar in 2016 when the group first attempted the move, and a planning application, which sparked more than 70 objections, was rejected by Swale Borough Council.

Refusing the proposal, it said at the time that “the dismantling, re-location and re-erection of the war memorial will involve moving a historic and well-loved monument to a less appropriate location, which will result in harm to the setting and historic context of the listed building, and be harmful to the character of the Faversham conservation area”.

The planning committee also feared the memorial could be damaged in the process.

But War Memorial Group chairman Mike Goddard and fellow members have revived the proposal and put up an exhibition of the £20,000 scheme for consultation in the town hall, ahead of a potential application.

The group will present the vision to the town council’s planning committee at 6pm on Monday.

It is similar in principle to the original plans, but Mr Goddard says some significant factors now need to be taken into account.

In particular, he points to other decisions by the council to allow the relocation of two war memorials in the borough, including the one in Sittingbourne, which he believes sets a precedent.

“It shows it can be done in the right circumstances and we argue there are additional significant benefits,” he said.

“When the proposals were initially discussed, concerned members of the public did not know what to expect.

“The new memorial garden has allayed these concerns by providing a successful scheme that has been enjoyed by all.”

Mr Goddard says that while the latest proposal continues to make the memorial the centrepiece of the gardens, there are now complementary plans to create a “peace corner” in its existing place with information boards and a new path leading from the garden.

He adds: “When the memorial was first erected, Stone Street was just a quiet gravel road but is now a major thoroughfare.

“The existing site is difficult for the elderly and disabled to access and the holly tree, although much-loved, is shrouding the memorial and its roots are potentially disturbing it.”

Despite concerns that the stone cross could be damaged, James Clague Architects, who have drawn up the plans, are confident it can be safely moved.

The memorial was unveiled in 1922 and honours the 574 young men who lost their lives in both world wars.

But, unlike many others, it does not carry the names of the war dead, which are instead inscribed on plaques inside the garden - another reason why supporters argue the stone cross should be moved nearer.

The War Memorials Trust charity said this week that its objection will remain if a fresh planning application is materially the same.

But the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion supports the move, saying its current location presents access problems to older veterans and disabled people.